HORSES, ponies and donkeys are overcrowding animal sanctuaries after being abandoned by their owners.

Now sanctuary volunteers are being forced to turn animals away because they are already full.

A new compulsory scheme which requires all equines to be registered by the end of the year is making the problem worse as owners off-load animals before the deadline.

At Only Foals and Horses sanctuary in Oswaldtwistle they already have 200 horses - 115 at the centre and the rest at an overflow facility in Accrington. Some have been badly treated and others abandoned in old age.

Olive Lomas, who runs the sanctuary, said: "I've spoken to other sanctuaries and the problem is very worrying - we are all pretty helpless.

Passport

"We are used to getting the odd horse and pony but now we are getting three or four requests a week. We simply don't have the room for them.

"During the summer they can be outside quite happily, but as winter comes owners realise they don't have the space for them.

"Some might be older horses and ponies that are no longer of use to them."

Under the new Horse Passport Registration scheme, all animals must be registered officially by December 30.

Increase

Mrs Lomas said: "It's a good thing in a way because it means the movement of animals around the country can be regulated, but it's also of real concern. We have noticed an alarming increase in the number of equines being simply given away to anyone who casually promises a good home.

"The problem is that with so many around many could fall prey quite legally to the meat man for the European market."

The sanctuary now faces the task of stabling and feeding all the ponies, horses and donkeys over the winter.

Staff are appealing for people to adopt one of the animals to help meet the cost and have their own surrogate pet.

Mrs Lomas said: "There might be children or adults who would like a pony or horse. We would love them to come and pick one of ours to adopt and visit."

For £10 a year adopters get a picture of their pet and the chance to visit regularly. For information call Mrs Lomas on 01254 235559.